Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly is preparing to undergo surgery in New York City for his cancer recurrence. Kelly was first diagnosed with cancer last June, when part of his jaw and teeth were removed to treat oral cancer. It has since returned and Kelly’s family said the cancer has spread and is aggressive.
According to WIVB in Buffalo, a family friend described Kelly as “in bad shape.” Doctors wanted to see him immediately, so he is scheduled to have surgery on Thursday at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. Dennis DiPaolo, a friend of the Kelly family, said that Jim is in a lot of pain but is not letting it break his spirits.
“He’s like come on, don’t hang your heads,” DiPaolo said. “Like you walk in the room and he’s in a huddle and still commanding everyone and even if he’s trying to rest his eyes, he knows you’re there and he goes, ‘Thanks for coming you guys.’ He’s just a remarkable individual.”
Kelly was surrounded by family over the weekend. His daughter Erin posted the photo you see above on Instagram with the following caption:
“Watching the Syracuse game with daddy. He’s my buddy! Love him so much!! #daddysgirl #prayersforjk #Kellytough.”
Our thoughts are with Kelly and his family.
